Question of the Day

Does President Trump need to fire more Cabinet members?

About 300 donors and friends of the Heritage Foundation yesterday got a first look at the conservative think tank’s expanded home, which they helped fund. The renovated eight-story building at 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE adjoins the Heritage Foundation’s current office building, allowing the organization to expand without moving. The $9.4 million renovation is expected to be completed this summer as part of the foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration. “We are delighted it worked out so well,” said Bill Johnson, former owner of the building who toured the site yesterday. The Johnson family of Pittsburgh, longtime supporters of the Heritage Foundation, donated the building three years ago — a gift valued at $8 million, according to foundation officials. “Everyone was impressed with the renovations,” foundation spokesman Joseph Dougherty said. The 70-year-old building required extensive work. Contractors ripped out the entire interior to install new elevators, plumbing and electrical wiring, but maintained the historic 1920s facade. Construction began 13 months ago. The new space increases the size of the current offices from 65,000 square feet to 128,000 square feet. “We are doubling our space, much to the chagrin of the left,” Mr. Dougherty said. Four floors were converted into dorms to house interns. “They will be able to stay right there, so they will have the shortest commute of anybody,” Mr. Dougherty said. The building includes two state-of-the-art radio studios, and a 230-seat auditorium for hosting large events for policy makers and government officials. Eric Korsuall, who is managing the construction, is trying to minimize inconvenience to nearby residents. “We had a good experience” with the foundation, said John Rohayem, manager of the Exxon station next door. Mr. Rohayem said he is looking forward to extra business from foundation interns. The building’s roof was converted into a terrace with a panoramic view of the District. Television stations already are vying for access to the space for broadcasts. The Heritage Foundation bought its current building 20 years ago. Phillip Truluck, foundation executive vice president, called Mr. Johnson’s donation “a godsend” because the think tank was quickly outgrowing its space.

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